The La Liga match between Sevilla and Villarreal on August 23 is expected to be a closely contested encounter. Below is an analysis of team form, lineups, betting tips, and score predictions.
Form Analysis: Sevilla vs Villarreal
Sevilla finished 14th last season, marking their worst La Liga performance since 2000. To improve, they have been active in the transfer market, bringing in seven new signings, including Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid and striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
However, Sevilla’s season opener under coach Garcia Pimienta resulted in a 2-2 draw with Las Palmas. Sevilla took the lead twice but were held to a draw. This result, while not ideal, showed some positive signs after a shaky pre-season.
In their second match, Sevilla returns home to face Villarreal, a team they have only beaten once in their last five La Liga meetings, including a 1-1 draw at Sanchez Pizjuan last season. Coach Pimienta hopes to capitalize on Villarreal’s slow start to secure a first win of the season.
Villarreal, who finished 8th last season, had a disappointing campaign as they missed out on the top 7 for only the second time since their return to La Liga in 2013/14. Despite high expectations, Villarreal’s pre-season was underwhelming with just one win in six games. They also started the new season with a disappointing draw against Atletico Madrid at home.
Team News: Sevilla vs Villarreal
Sevilla will be without Suso and new signing Albert Sambi Lokonga due to injuries. Villarreal will miss Denis Suarez, Juan Foyth, and Alfonso Pedraza for the same reason.
Expected Lineups: Sevilla vs Villarreal
- Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Nyland; Carmona, Nianzou, Gudelj, Pedrosa; Agoume, Sow; Ocampos, Saul, J. Sanchez; Romero
- Villarreal (4-4-2): Junior; Femenia, Albiol, Bailly, Cardona; Pino, Parejo, Comesana, Baena; G. Moreno, Danjuma
Betting Tips for Sevilla vs Villarreal
- Over 2.5 Goals: Sevilla’s last three matches and six of Villarreal’s last seven have featured at least three goals. Additionally, two of their last three head-to-heads have also seen at least three goals.
- Goal in the First Half: 12 of Sevilla’s last 13 matches have seen at least one first-half goal. Villarreal’s last seven matches and eight of their last ten meetings also had goals before halftime.
- Both Teams to Score: Both teams have scored in their last five meetings. With Villarreal’s inconsistency and Sevilla’s attacking play, expect goals at both ends.
Expert Prediction: Sevilla vs Villarreal
Matt Law from Betfair suggests: “Both teams have enough firepower to hurt each other in the final third, but with home advantage, Sevilla might just edge out Villarreal in a high-scoring affair.”
Nowsport’s Prediction for Sevilla vs Villarreal
Sevilla have been tough to beat at Sanchez Pizjuan, losing only one of their last 11 matches against Villarreal there. Given Villarreal’s recent struggles, Sevilla looks likely to secure all three points.
Prediction: 2-1
Key Stats
- Villarreal have gone five matches without a win and have drawn one and lost three of their last four visits to Sanchez Pizjuan.
You can watch the match live at: Zonesport.live
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